General Information: Born in the Bronx, a borough of New York City, Sonia Sotomayor worked her way out of poverty to become the first Latina Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. While there is a bit of controversy that surrounds Sotomayor's personal life, she is undoubtedly a sincere and dedicated Justice. Not only does she have a genuine passion for doing what is just, she has an even greater passion for upholding the law despite her own personal beliefs.

Family Background: Sonia Sotomayor is of Puerto Rican descent and is a Roman Catholic.

Pre College Education: Sotomayor attended Cardinal Spellman High School, a prestigious Catholic high school in the Bronx. At Cardinal Spellman Sotomayor was on the speech and debate team and was a prominent member of the student government. Rarely missing school she graduated with near perfect attendance and was elected valedictorian.

College Education: Sotomayor attended Princeton University for her undergraduate and Yale for law school. Following her graduation at Yale and successfully passing the New York Bar she quickly began working for the District Attorney of New York as an assistant district attorney.

Biggest Challenge : Sotomayor was born in the Bronx and by the age of nine her life seemed to be falling apart. Not only was she diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (thus requiring daily insulin injections), but her father past away the same year. To make matters even worse drug activity and violence was beginning to steadily increase forcing her and her family to constantly move. In high school Sotomayor worked hard at a local business to help ease the financial burdens of her family. However, it was Sotomayor's mother that truly allowed her to succeed. Sotomayor claims that her mother, Celina, was her "life inspiration." Essentially, Sotomayor was raised to appreciate education and to never give up despite all odds.

Notable Accomplishments

1) Valedictorian of Cardinal Spellman (1972)

2) First Latina to become an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

3) Upheld abortion laws in 2002 (despite her own personal beliefs).

4) Upheld 1st amendment rights for employers and students to express their opinions of coworkers and officials in a private setting.

5) Ruled (though overturned by the Supreme Court) that individuals can sue private corporations linked or affiliated with federal entities.

6) Praised by both Republicans and Democrats; every President since George Bush Senior have praised Sotomayor for her dedication for upholding the law.